Hopefully you can relate to this. It is a vulnerable share based on a real event, but I find those are the most valuable and honest teaching moments.
Have you ever had one of those days where your usual “I’ve got this” turns into “Oh, no, I absolutely do not got this”? Recently, I found myself in exactly that spot, and it was an experience that opened my eyes to the reality of what it means to feel like you’re just… stuck.
My coping skills, usually steady and dependable, decided to take the day off.
Here’s what happened: I was driving a friend to a medical appointment, and we had it all perfectly planned. We were heading out early, with lunch and some quality time on the agenda before her appointment. It was shaping up to be a great day until… it wasn’t. Midway through our drive, my car started to overheat. As the temperature gauge started climbing, I knew I had to pull over, and the plan quickly unraveled.
You’d think I’d just calmly pop the hood and assess the situation, right? Well, let’s just say that my confidence under the hood is better in theory. Suddenly, the idea of opening the hood, checking the engine, or even figuring out who to call felt like climbing a mountain. My friend was watching me fumble, and I started wondering, “Have I actually forgotten how to open my own car hood?”
I found myself feeling not only stuck but a little embarrassed too—my ‘can-do’ spirit was practically begging for a vacation.
What This Taught Me About Resilience and Vulnerability
This little misadventure taught me a lot about resilience and vulnerability. Sometimes, life gives us moments not to shake our confidence, but to nudge us into awareness. If my car breakdown taught me anything, it’s that our coping skills—no matter how rock-solid—are not endless. They’re like muscles; they need rest, maintenance, and a little compassion to stay strong.
All was good in the end as I have a great support system and roadside assistance should I need it. Fortunately, my husband was able to help and we made the medical appointment and sorted out my vehicle and got that home.
It reminded me that all things can work out and our stress is often a by-product of something greater.
Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.
Virginia Satir
Caring for Yourself in the Moment
So, how do you take care of yourself when the pressure is on and you’re feeling unexpectedly vulnerable?
Here are some ways that I’ve found can help, especially for those of us who have always been the ones others turn to in a crisis:
Take a Breath, Literally – When everything feels overwhelming, a deep breath can be your best friend. Just one good inhale and exhale. It might not fix the car, but it can help you think more clearly.
Allow Yourself to Not Know It All – It’s OK to admit you’re a little out of your depth (even if it’s just to yourself). Call for help if you need it, or take a moment to figure out your options without judgment.
Laugh When You Can – Humor is a lifeline when things go sideways. Sure, I wasn’t thrilled about forgetting how to open my car hood, but a part of me had to laugh at how out of character this felt. Sometimes, seeing the humor in these hiccups can be just what you need to regain perspective.
Three Thoughts to Ponder
As you think about your own journey through moments like these, here are a few reflections to consider:
How do I treat myself when I’m feeling vulnerable or less capable than usual?
What’s one small way I can nurture my resilience today?
How can I remind myself that needing help is a strength, not a weakness?
Let’s be honest—having our coping skills desert us isn’t fun. But every experience, even the uncomfortable ones, offers a chance to learn and grow. So, here’s to embracing those moments with a little grace, humor, and compassion. After all, they’re a part of what makes us beautifully human.
With warmth and understanding,
Marianne Marianne Preston Coaching
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